From a Basement on the Hill

[heroquest]

Have any of you heard this Elliot Smith CD, I just have listened to all the tracks just now. It still amazes me how beautiful the music is, that Elliot Smith made. Never mind Kurt Cobain killing himself, when Elliot did it was tragedy (though I do like Kurt). It was released a while on I-Tunes about 2 weeks before stores ( I think I-Tunes) and isn't out yet. I just love how his vocals just intertwine with each other. So what do you think of it? What are your favouite Elliot Smith songs?

[josh_s08]

i had it downloaded for a wile and i love it. I bought it on vinyl friday, it comes out tuesday.

It is the best Elliott album. Well, i guess i'm jsut in love with the full band behind him. I can only dream of what Either/or would of been like if it was electric. but that might ruin it.

[trickyy]

i also previewed it back in august. very good album. i liked either/or a lot, but i do think the new one is slightly better. however, the old version of distorted reality is better (it was on a 7" with pretty ugly before).

also they are still investigating his death. the case remains open.

http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/ent...9927019.htm?1c

It didn't take long after Elliott Smith's death, of two stab wounds to the chest on Oct. 21, 2003, for the rumor mill to crank into overdrive.

First came unsubstantiated reports that the singer-songwriter was abusing drugs - at various times he'd been addicted to heroin and crack cocaine, and he'd been treated for alcohol and substance abuse.

Then there was the news that Smith's live-in girlfriend, musician Jennifer Chiba, had quarreled with him, and had locked herself in the bathroom of their apartment moments before he died. According to news reports, she discovered Smith, removed the knife from his chest, and called 911. Los Angeles police said Chiba was initially not cooperative, but has since talked with investigators.

The coroner's report said no illicit drugs were found in Smith's system, only prescribed drugs to treat depression and attention deficit disorder.

The report did cite several factors - including incidental wounds on Smith's palms, and knife cuts that penetrated his clothing - that made it impossible to say definitively whether the blows were self-inflicted or whether Smith had been the victim of an attack.

"Either scenario was possible," a coroner's office spokesman said. In January, the coroner said the manner of death remained "undetermined," and police say the investigation is continuing.

the smoking gun has the documents, i think, if you are really interested.

despite singing about suicide, and admitting to trying to kill himself once, it is possible that he didn't actually do it. seems like the most painful way to kill yourself - a knife to the heart. but i'll admit, his death was not a huge surprise. just disappointed i missed seeing him play 2 years ago when i had the chance.

[nfuehgo23]

It's incredible. Some of the songs just make my eyes water when i hear them and that never happens to me with music. King's Crossing, Pretty (Ugly Before), and Shooting Star are my favorites, I really wish I had been able to see him perform live, that's one of my lifelong regrets. I miss him....

[heroquest]

Originally Posted by josh_s08

i had it downloaded for a wile and i love it. I bought it on vinyl friday, it comes out tuesday.

It is the best Elliott album. Well, i guess i'm jsut in love with the full band behind him. I can only dream of what Either/or would of been like if it was electric. but that might ruin it.

I always loved the songs with him and an acoustic the best. My favourite on the album right now is Fond Farewell.

[Redlemon]

There was a long interview with the people who completed this album on NPR All Things Considered; 'From a Basement': Elliott Smith's Posthumous Gift.

[mused76]

Elliot Smith was a great and honest artist. Anyone listening to his music could either relate or feel his pain and anguish. His pain and anguish, though, was sung so elegantly. I'll be purchasing this when it comes out. My fav Smith song: 2am.

[heroquest]

2:am is a damn good song. It's so easy to play too, so I play it all the time.

[nfuehgo23]

Are u sure thats the name of the song on the latest album? Or are u talking about 2:45 am in the Either/Or album? (That one is very easy to play)

[ReggErving]

I have had it playing in my car for the last week. Great CD, I agree with nfuehgo23, I would have loved to see a show.

[Ella]

I've not been able to get this CD down here as yet, but I need to get my hands on it soon. Such an incredible talent....truly makes my eyes water when I think about that day last year when I heard he had died. Damn...I love this guy, and I miss him too, nfuehgo23.

[heroquest]

Are u sure thats the name of the song on the latest album? Or are u talking about 2:45 am in the Either/Or album? (That one is very easy to play)

That was what I was talking talking about. Heh, three chord changes and a seven not bass run. I love it.

[msf518]

This was my 1st exposure to Elliot Smith, and I am sad that I didn't know much about him before buying this album. I'm really into Coast to Coast right now, I like how it starts off the album for me. Highly recommended.

[nfuehgo23]

Hey guys i heard found this article in last month's Spin magazine about Elliot's death with interviews from people who were close to him. I thought it might interest some of you:
http://www.blamonet.com/vb/showthrea...5&pagenumber=3

[nfuehgo23]

Sorry guys, you might have to copy and then paste this to see it.

http://www.blamonet.com/vb/showthread.php? s=&threadid=58965&perpage=35&pagenumber=3